JP5344506B2 - The present invention relates to a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program. - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a communication load when printing print data accumulated in an image forming apparatus from a desired image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A first image forming apparatus stores print data and bibliographic information of the print data by predetermined storage means, and transmits specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to a second image forming apparatus in order to notify of the storage of the print data at the first image forming apparatus. For print processing, the first image forming apparatus requests a list of image forming apparatuses where print data is stored from the second image forming apparatus, receives the list of image forming apparatuses which are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus according to the request for the list of image forming apparatuses, and requests a list of print data with respect to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses, receives the list of print data from the image forming apparatus of the request destination according to the request, and requests the image forming apparatus storing the print data to print according to the list of print data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system for storing print data in an image forming apparatus and printing the stored print data from a desired image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a processing method therefor, and a program.

  Conventionally, so-called “pull printing (accumulation printing)” in which print data is output from a printing apparatus by making a print request from the printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function peripheral) to print data temporarily accumulated on a server. The printing system is known.

  Accordingly, the user can output print data from a desired printing apparatus instead of outputting to a specific printing apparatus during printing from an application (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-176202 A

  In a pull printing system such as the above-described printing system, when a user is in a situation where a normally used printing apparatus cannot be used by specifying and inputting an external printer server instead of a specific printing apparatus. However, it is possible to go to another available printing apparatus and issue a print instruction to the printer server.

  However, in the pull print system such as the above-described printing system, it is necessary to install a server outside, and a plurality of servers may be installed depending on the number of users to be used. In such a system configuration, a server management load increases, so a system that does not construct a server is desired.

  When constructing a system that does not construct a server, a configuration in which print data is temporarily stored on an HDD of a printing apparatus is conceivable. However, instead of a printing apparatus that is normally used, another desired printing apparatus can be used. In order to output one data, it is necessary to notify all the other printing apparatuses constituting the system of the storage location of the print data.

  However, in the system described above, it is necessary to register the notification destination in advance in all the printing devices, and in a printing device where the number of installed devices is likely to increase or decrease, troublesome maintenance of the notification destination occurs, and the actual operation It was difficult.

  In addition, instead of registering the notification destination in advance, a method of notifying the storage location information by broadcast can be considered. However, since broadcast notification is limited to the same segment, there is a high possibility that segments are separated in a large-scale user environment, and print data can be output only from a limited range of printing apparatuses. In broadcast communication, since the success or failure of notification cannot be confirmed, it is necessary to notify the storage location every time print data is received from the client terminal, which may cause an excessive load on the network.

Furthermore, it is conceivable to construct a server with a management server function for managing the bibliographic information of Patent Document 1, but each time print data is received by the printing apparatus, the print data information is changed to the bibliographic information. It must be transmitted to the printing apparatus to be managed, which increases the network load. Also, since the printing device has a different device spec than the server, it is difficult to perform the same operation as a server that places a heavy load on the printing device that manages bibliographic information.
In view of the specifications of the printing apparatus, when managing print data and the like using the printing apparatus, a mechanism that reduces the communication load has been desired.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to manage a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data, and to request printing from the image forming apparatus according to the list, so that the print data stored in the image forming apparatus can be stored in a desired image forming apparatus. It is to provide a mechanism for reducing the communication load when printing from the start.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network, the first image forming apparatus responding to reception of print data A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit, and the first storage unit for notifying that the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus, and second data for printing the print data stored in the predetermined storage means. An image forming apparatus information requesting unit for requesting a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored to the image forming apparatus, and printing from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the list request for the image forming apparatus Image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of data, and print data for requesting a list of print data from the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses A list requesting means; a print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from a requested image forming apparatus in accordance with a request from the print data list request means; and an image in which the print data is stored according to the print data list. A print request unit configured to make a print request to the forming apparatus; and a print unit configured to print print data received according to the print request. The second image forming apparatus receives specific information from the first image forming apparatus. As the image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving and the image forming apparatus storing the print data, the specific information is stored in a predetermined storage means. Storage control means, image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus in which print data is stored in accordance with the request for the image forming apparatus information And an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting the list to the first image forming apparatus.

  The first image forming apparatus determines that there is no print data that can be printed by the print data deletion unit that deletes or deletes the print data, and the print data deletion unit deletes or deletes the print data. In this case, it corresponds to the deletion notification means for notifying the second image forming apparatus of the deletion notification of the specific information of the first image forming apparatus, and the second image forming apparatus as the deletion notification destination. Transmission information deleting means for deleting the transmitted information from the predetermined storage means, wherein the second image forming apparatus transmits the specific information of the first image forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus. A deletion notification receiving unit that receives a deletion notification; and an image forming apparatus information deletion unit that deletes the specific information of the first image forming apparatus that has received the deletion notification from the predetermined storage unit in accordance with the deletion notification. Characterized in that it obtain.

  The first image forming apparatus further includes image forming apparatus determination means for determining whether the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that manages a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored. When the image forming apparatus determining unit determines that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that manages a list of image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus list receiving unit receives the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by acquiring a list of.

  The print data list request unit requests the first image forming apparatus for a list of print data, and the print request unit receives the print data selected in the print data list from the first image forming apparatus. When the data is stored in the print data, the print data is acquired from the first image forming apparatus.

  The bibliographic information includes user identification information, the image forming apparatus information transmission unit transmits the user identification information, and the second storage control unit associates the user identification information with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus list transmitting means transmits a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data of the user is stored according to the user identification information of the user who has logged into the first image forming apparatus. It is characterized by doing.

  The bibliographic information includes user identification information, the image forming apparatus information transmission unit transmits the user identification information, and the second storage control unit specifies the image forming apparatus for each user identification information. Information is stored in the predetermined storage unit, and the deletion notification unit includes the user identification information and the first information when the first image forming apparatus has no printable print data corresponding to the user identification information. A deletion notification including specific information of one image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus information deleting unit is configured to delete the first image forming apparatus corresponding to the user identification information according to the user identification information and the specific information. The specific information is deleted.

  Further, the image forming apparatus information requesting means, the image forming apparatus list receiving means, the print requesting means, and the printing means of the first image forming apparatus are different from those of the first image forming apparatus. A device is provided.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, there is provided a printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network, and the first image forming apparatus receives print data. In response, the first storage control unit that stores the print data and the bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit, and the first image forming apparatus to notify that the print data has been stored. An image forming apparatus information transmitting unit that transmits specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus and a print data stored in the predetermined storage unit are printed An image forming apparatus information requesting unit for requesting a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored, and the second image forming apparatus according to the list request of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus list receiving unit that receives a list of image forming apparatuses that are print data storage destinations; a print request unit that issues a print request to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses; A printing unit configured to print the print data received in accordance with the print request, and the second image forming apparatus receives the specific information from the first image forming apparatus, and the specific information is stored in the predetermined information. A second storage control unit that performs storage control in the storage unit, an image forming apparatus information request receiving unit that receives a list request for image forming apparatuses from the first image forming apparatus, and printing according to a request for the image forming apparatus information An image forming apparatus list transmitting unit that transmits a list of image forming apparatuses storing data to the first image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data is managed, and print requests stored in the image forming apparatus are printed from a desired image forming apparatus by making a print request to the image forming apparatus according to the list. It becomes possible to reduce the communication load at the time of making it.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of client PC200 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 300. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of the multifunction peripheral 300. FIG. It is a flowchart of print data generation and reception. It is a flowchart of name information notification and registration of print data. It is a flowchart of an authentication process It is a flowchart of acquisition of name information and list acquisition processing. 6 is a flowchart of a print instruction and print data transmission process. It is a flowchart of a deletion instruction. It is a flowchart of a deletion process of name information It is a figure which shows an example of an authentication screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a print data list screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a bibliographic information file. It is a figure which shows an example of a user information table. It is a figure which shows an example of a name information file It is a figure which shows an example of a name service notification destination It is a figure which shows an example of the notified name service list. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing of a print system. It is a flowchart of the detailed process of step S205. It is a figure which shows the more detailed setting information of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a multifunction machine 300-1 having a print data receiving function, bibliographic information extraction, print data / bibliographic information management function, a multifunction machine 300-2 having a name information management function, and name information. System showing an example of the configuration of a multifunction peripheral 300-3 having a multifunction peripheral UI control function according to a user instruction such as acquisition, list acquisition, printing / deletion, and a print system (printing system) to which the client PC 200 can be applied It is a block diagram.

  In the system configuration of FIG. 1, for convenience of explaining the processing for each function, the multifunction peripherals are described separately for each function. However, as an embodiment, it is possible to operate as one program in the same casing. It is. The name information management function may be operated on all multi-function peripherals, but can also be operated only on a plurality of multiple units.

  A printer driver is installed in the client PC 200. The printer driver creates print data based on the data received from the application program, and the print data is transmitted to the MFP 300-1 or the like via the network (LAN 600). Can be sent to.

  The multi-function device 300-1 can receive print data from the client PC 200 via the network (LAN 600) and store it in a predetermined storage location. After receiving the print data, the print instruction management data of the print data is analyzed, bibliographic information such as the document name, the number of copies, the number of pages, and the print settings of the analyzed print data is extracted, and a bibliographic information file as shown in FIG. create.

In addition, by receiving various requests from other multifunction devices, it is possible to return a print data list and issue a print instruction in response to the request. Also, the print data can be deleted upon request.
That is, FIG. 1 shows a printing system in which a plurality of multifunction peripherals (image forming apparatuses) capable of storing print data are connected via a network.

Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the client PC 200 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Stores various programs to be described later.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to a hard disk (HDD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like through an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on a display information area in the RAM 203. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripherals 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripherals 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit that is connected to a scanner 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer 312 that functions as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By doing so, image data and device information are input and output.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which is a system network memory for operating the CPU 301, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308.

  The operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information (for example, user information) input by the system user from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. Note that the operation unit 308 includes a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be given by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button displayed on the display unit.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, for reading an IC card required for authentication The card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.
The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. There are inkjet methods for printing, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration described above, the multifunction peripherals 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 600, and print out the print data received from the LAN using the printer 312. be able to.

  Also, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer 312.

  Hereinafter, the functions provided in the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. In addition, in order to mention later the detailed process in each function, description of the functional block diagram currently described in various terminals is described here.

  Also, an example will be described in which the multifunction peripherals 300-1 and 300-3 are referred to as first image forming apparatuses, and functional blocks 4001 to 4014 are provided. Furthermore, assuming that 300-2 is referred to as a second image forming apparatus, an example including functional blocks of reference numerals 4015 to 4021 will be described.

The bibliographic information acquisition unit 4001 is a functional unit that acquires bibliographic information for managing the print data in response to reception of the print data. The bibliographic information includes user identification information.
The storage control unit 4002 is a functional unit that stores print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit.

The image forming apparatus information transmission unit 4003 transmits information (specific information) for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image in order to notify that the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. It is a functional unit that transmits to the forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus information transmission unit 4003 can also transmit user identification information that is a part of bibliographic information.
The image forming apparatus information request unit 4004 is a functional unit that requests a list (device list) of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus.
An apparatus list (device list) receiving unit 4005 is a functional unit that receives a device list from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with an image forming apparatus information request.

A print request unit 4006 is a functional unit that makes a print request to the image forming apparatus that is the storage destination of print data. The target print data may be selected from a list of print data (data list) received from the image forming apparatus selected from the device list. The function unit obtains print data from the first image forming apparatus when target print data is stored in the apparatus.
A printing unit 4007 is a functional unit that prints received print data in accordance with a print request.

  The transmitted information storage control unit 4008 transmits the specific information by the image forming apparatus information transmission unit 4003 to manage whether the specific information of the own apparatus has already been transmitted to the second image forming apparatus. In this case, the function unit stores information (transmitted information) to that effect in a predetermined storage unit. When it is managed that the specific information has been transmitted, the image forming apparatus information transmitting unit 4003 transmits the first image to the second image forming apparatus even when print data is newly stored. The transmission of the specific information for specifying the image forming apparatus is suppressed. This prevents transmission of duplicate information.

A print data list request unit 4009 is a functional unit that requests a list of print data (data list) from the image forming apparatus. In addition, when the self apparatus is selected as a data list acquisition target, the function unit requests a list of print data of the self apparatus.
A print data list receiving unit 4010 is a functional unit that receives a data list from an image forming apparatus that has requested a print data list (data list).
The print data deletion unit 4011 is a functional unit that deletes or deletes print data.
A deletion notification unit 4012 is a functional unit that notifies the second image forming apparatus of a deletion notification of print data that has been deleted.

  The transmitted information deletion unit 4013 is a functional unit that deletes transmitted information corresponding to the second image forming apparatus that is the transmission destination (deletion notification destination) of the deletion notification from a predetermined storage unit.

The apparatus determination unit 4014 is a functional unit that determines whether or not the own apparatus (first image forming apparatus) is an image forming apparatus that manages a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data. When it is determined that the own apparatus (first image forming apparatus) is an image forming apparatus that manages a list of image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus list receiving unit 4005 displays a list of image forming apparatuses from the own apparatus. get.
The image forming apparatus information receiving unit 4015 receives specific information from the first image forming apparatus.

  The storage control unit 4016 is a functional unit for storing and controlling received specific information with respect to a predetermined storage unit. It is also possible to perform storage control for each user identification information.

  The image forming apparatus information request receiving unit 4017 is a functional unit that receives a request for a list (device list) of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from an external image forming apparatus.

An apparatus list (device list) transmission unit 4018 is a functional unit that responds to a device list including an image forming apparatus that is a storage destination of print data that can be printed by the requesting image forming apparatus in accordance with the above-described request. A device list including information on the image forming apparatus specified by the specific information stored by the storage control unit 4016 is returned. It is also a functional unit that transmits a list according to user identification information of a user who has logged into the requesting image forming apparatus.
The deletion notification receiving unit 4019 is a functional unit that receives a deletion notification of the specific information of the first image forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus.
The deletion unit 4020 is a functional unit that deletes the specific information of the first image forming apparatus that is the notification source of the deletion notification from a predetermined storage unit in accordance with the deletion notification.
The device information deletion unit 4021 is a functional unit that deletes the specific information of the first image forming apparatus that has received the deletion notification from a predetermined storage unit in accordance with the deletion notification.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an outline of processing of the printing system (printing system) according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 19 is a process outline diagram of the printing system (printing system).

FIG. 19 shows an outline of processing for receiving print data from the client PC 200 and notifying name information, processing for acquiring a print data list after logging in to the multifunction peripheral, printing of print data displayed in the list, and processing for deleting. Yes.
First, an outline of print data reception and name information notification processing will be described.

  (1) After using the printer driver on the client PC 200 to generate print data, the print data is transmitted (printed) to the multifunction peripheral 300-1 designated as the transmission destination in advance by the printer driver.

(2) The multifunction device 300-1 receives the print data and analyzes the print setting information (bibliographic information) included in the header of the print data. Also, the model name of the printer driver used to generate the print data is received from the client PC 200, and the bibliographic information extracted from the header of the print data is added to form a bibliographic information file as shown in FIG. Save to HDD 304.
(3) After extracting the bibliographic information, the print data received from the client PC 200 is stored in the HDD 304 on the multifunction machine 300-1.

(4) After receiving the print data from the client PC 200, the MFP 300-1 receives name information including the user name, model name, and host name (storage destination) of the print apparatus included in the bibliographic information file. Then, the MFP 300-2 having a name service function registered in advance is notified.
(5) The MFP 300-2 stores the received name information in the HDD 304 as a name information file as shown in FIG.
Next, an outline of processing for acquiring a print data list after the user logs in will be described.

  (6) The MFP 300-3 receives the user login notification from the authentication program and acquires the login user information. (7) The multifunction device 300-3 transmits a name information acquisition request including the user name included in the login user information and the model name of the own device to the multifunction device 300-2. The device information (IP address, host name, etc.) of the multifunction device 300-2 that makes a name information acquisition request is stored in the multifunction device 300-3 in advance.

  (8) The MFP 300-2 searches for a host name (storage destination) included in the name information file in which the user name, the host name, and the file name included in the received name information acquisition request match. (9) The host name (storage destination) as a result of the search is returned to the MFP 300-3. In this embodiment, a file name whose user name and host name match is selected as a search target. However, even a multifunction device with a different host name (for example, a different model) can use a multifunction device that can draw print data. Since it is feasible if it exists, the user name may be used for the search. For example, current multi-function peripherals can interpret general-purpose formats such as XPS data (XPS: XML Paper Specification). It is also possible to receive XPS data from a printer driver, interpret the XPS data with a multifunction peripheral, and perform drawing processing. Therefore, any multifunction device capable of interpreting XPS data can execute printing, so it is sufficient that at least the user name can be searched.

  (10) The multifunction device 300-3 transmits a bibliographic information acquisition request including the login user name and the model name of the own device to the received host name (storage destination). When a plurality of host names (storage destinations) are included in the name information received from the MFP 300-2, a bibliographic information acquisition request is transmitted to all host names (storage destinations) including the self-device.

  (11) In response to the received bibliographic information acquisition request, the multifunction machine 300-1 searches for the bibliographic information of the user that matches the user name. (12) The retrieved bibliographic information is transmitted to the multifunction machine 300-3. The bibliographic information may be configured to transmit necessary bibliographic information. For example, information that can specify print data such as a file name is transmitted.

(13) The multifunction device 300-3 stores the received bibliographic information in the RAM 302 and displays the list on the operation unit 308. When bibliographic information is received from a plurality of host names (storage destinations), all the bibliographic information is merged and displayed in a list.
Next, an outline of processing from reception of a print instruction from the user to printing will be described.

  (14-1) The bibliographic information (print data) displayed in a list is selected from the user, and upon reception of a press of a print instruction, the multifunction peripheral 300-3 acquires a print request, and the selected print data A print request including a file name is transmitted to the host name (storage destination). When the host name (storage destination) of the print data selected by the user extends over a plurality of multifunction devices, a print request is transmitted to all multifunction devices including the self-device.

(15-1) In response to the received print request, the multifunction peripheral 300-1 acquires print data from the file name included in the print request from the HDD 304 in the own apparatus. (16-1) The acquired print data is transmitted to the MFP 300-3. (17-1) The MFP 300-3 prints the received print data.
Next, an outline of processing from receiving a deletion instruction from the user to deleting the name information will be described.

  (14-2) The bibliographic information (print data) displayed in a list is selected from the user, and upon receiving a press of a delete instruction, the multifunction peripheral 300-3 acquires a delete request, and the selected print data A delete request including the file name is transmitted to the host name (storage destination). As in the case of a print request, when a plurality of multifunction devices are used, a deletion request is transmitted to all multifunction devices including the self-device.

  (15-2) In response to the received deletion request, the MFP 300-1 deletes the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file corresponding to the print data from the file name included in the deletion request from the HDD 304 in the own apparatus. change. Note that when a deletion request is received, it is possible to delete the bibliographic information and delete the print data.

  (16-2) When all the printable data statuses 1401 of the corresponding user have been deleted in the MFP 300-1, the MFP 300-1 gives the MFP 300-2 a user name, model name, A name information deletion notification including the host name (storage destination) of the local device is transmitted. If there is even one printable data, the name information deletion notification is not transmitted. (17-2) The MFP 300-2 deletes the corresponding host name from the name information file stored in the HDD 304 in accordance with the corresponding name information included in the received name information deletion notification.

Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Note that the programs and services described in the present embodiment are installed in the multi-function peripheral as software.
Each step is executed by the CPU (CPU 201 or CPU 301) of each device (client PC 200 or multifunction machine 300-1, 300-2, 300-3).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of print data generation and reception in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of printing data name information notification and registration in the present embodiment. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.
In step S100, the printer driver on the client PC 200 transmits print data to the multi function peripheral 300-1 in response to a print instruction from the user.

  In step S101, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 obtains the print data that is monitored in advance and received by the print data reception port (LPR515 port or RAW 9100 port) and transmitted by the client PC 200 in S100.

  In step S102, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 acquires the model name (for example, MFP 5050) of the printer driver used for creating the print data from the client PC 200 from the acquired print data. The model name acquired here may be configured to be used when determining a model that can output the generated print data. For example, it is possible to output to models belonging to the same group by grouping each model and grouping and managing model information in group information that can be output.

In step S103, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 extracts various print data information (bibliographic information) as shown in FIG. 14 included in the print data header received from the client PC 200.
That is, steps S102 to S103 are processing for acquiring bibliographic information for managing the print data in response to reception of the print data.

  In step S104, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 creates a bibliographic information file as shown in FIG. 14 based on the bibliographic information extracted in step S103, and stores it in a predetermined directory of the MFP 300-2. To do.

  Here, the bibliographic information file in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bibliographic information file. The bibliographic information file is stored in the HDD 304.

For the bibliographic information file, the user name (that is, user identification information) who created the print data by logging in to the client PC 200, the document name of the print data, the time stamp indicating the generation time of the print data, double-sided / single-sided, 2in1, color / Print setting information 1403 as shown in monochrome is included. In addition, the model name 1405 of the printer driver used to create the print data acquired from the client PC 200, the unique file name 1402 generated when the print data is received, the status 1401 indicating the processing content of the print data, the host of the own apparatus Name (print data storage destination) 1404 and the like.
The bibliographic information may be any file format as long as it is managed for each print data, and may be a database or table.

In step S105, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 generates the bibliographic information file in step S104, and then prints the print data received from the client PC 200 with the unique file name 1402 generated when the print data is received. -2 in a predetermined directory (HDD 304).
That is, steps S104 to S105 are processes for storing print data and bibliographic information.

  Next, moving to FIG. 6, in step S <b> 106, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 acquires a notification name service list as shown in FIG. 17 registered in advance. In the system configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the multifunction device of the notification name service is the multifunction device 300-2.

  Here, FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a name service notification destination. The name service notification destination is stored in the HDD 304. Has been.

FIG. 17 shows the IP address of the MFP 300-2 operating as the name service as the name service notification destination. The host name may be used instead of the IP address.
In step S107, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 acquires a notified name service list as shown in FIG.

  Here, FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notified name service list. The notified name service list is stored in the HDD 304.

  The notified name service list is managed for each name of the user who has logged in the client PC 200 and created print data and the model name of the printer driver used to generate the print data, and has received the name information in step S111. IP address. The host name may be used instead of the IP address.

  Further, when print data is created by the same user using the same model printer driver and the print data is received by the multifunction device 300-1, the previous name service multifunction device 300-2 is affected by the network or the like. As long as the notification has not failed, the notified name service list is registered with the same notified party (IP address) as the notified name service list as shown in FIG. 17 acquired in step S106. When the name service is deleted from the notified name service list in step S427 or when the notification fails, the notified name service list (FIG. 18) and the notified name service list (FIG. 17) do not match. .

  On the other hand, when print data is created using a user who has generated print data for the first time or a printer driver of a model that is used for the first time, and the print data is received by the MFP 300-1, the notified name service list is It will be acquired in the sky. In addition, even when there is no printable data due to a deletion instruction from the user and the deletion notification is correctly performed, the notified name service list is acquired empty.

  In step S108, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines whether the notified name service is registered in the notified name service list acquired in step S107. If it is determined that at least one name service has been registered, the MFP 300-2 bibliographic information service proceeds to step S109, and at least one name service has been registered. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S109, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 obtains the name service determined in step S108 that it has been registered that at least one notification has been registered, and the notification destination name service as shown in FIG. Remove from target. That is, the name service notification destination of FIG. 17 is held in the RAM 302, and the notified neal service list of FIG. 18 is deleted from the name service notification destination stored in the RAM 302.
As a result, regarding the notified name service, it is determined that the name information has already been notified, and the name service is deleted from the notification target, and unnecessary communication is not performed.

  In step S <b> 110, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 determines whether the notification destination name service exists in the RAM 302. If it is determined that at least one notification destination name service exists, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 advances the processing to step S111, and if there is no notification destination name service. If determined, the process is terminated.

  In step S111, if it is determined in step S108 that there is no notified name service in step S108, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that there is a notification destination in the name service notification destination in FIG. 17 and in step S110. If so, the name information is transmitted to the name service notification destination multifunction device (corresponding to the multifunction device 300-2 in the system configuration diagram of FIG. 1) held in the RAM 302. That is, it is processing for transmitting image forming apparatus information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus.

  The name information transmitted here identifies the print data creation user name (ie, user identification information) extracted in step S103, the model name of the printer driver used to create the print data, and the print data storage location. The IP address (host name) of the own device is included.

  As described above, when there is a notification destination in step S110 (for example, when the first user prints), name information is transmitted to the multifunction device 300-2 of the name service, but when there is no notification destination in step S110 (for example, When the same user prints using the same model printer driver), the name information is not transmitted to the name service MFP 300-2, and the communication load is reduced. Decrease.

  When the MFP 300-2 has the function of the bibliographic information server of the conventional print system, information (print name, etc.) for identifying the print data every time print data is received, and information about the print data such as the storage location. It must be transmitted to the multifunction device 300-2 (every time), and when a conventional print system is applied, the communication load is high. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, communication can be reduced, and printing can be executed from a desired multifunction device by a print system in which print data is stored in the multifunction device.

  In step S112, the name service of the multifunction device 300-2 receives name information from the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 in step S111. That is, it is processing for receiving image forming apparatus information from the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S113, the name service of the MFP 300-2 has already created a name information file as shown in FIG. 16 managed by the print data creation user name of the name information acquired in step S112 and the model name of the printer driver. Check if it is.

  Here, FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 16 shows an example of the name information file.

  The name information file includes a print data creation user name and a printer driver model name. The file also stores the IP address (host name) of the multifunction machine for identifying the storage location of the received print data of the received name information.

  The name information file may be of any structure as long as it can be determined by the user name and the model name. For example, it may be managed in a database or table. In the case of different users or different model names, the name information file is generated with a different file name.

  In step S114, the name service of the MFP 300-2 checks the presence or absence of the name information file in step S113, and if it is determined that the name information file of the corresponding user name and model name already exists, The process proceeds to S116, and if it is determined that there is no name information file for the corresponding user and model name, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the name service of the MFP 300-2 generates a file name based on the user name and model name determined to have no corresponding name information file in step S114, and the name information file as shown in FIG. Create a new. That is, image forming apparatus information is stored for each user identification information.

In step S116, the name service of the MFP 300-2 receives the print received in step S112 on the last line of the name information file whose existence has been confirmed in step S114 or the name information file newly created in step S115. An IP address (host name) for identifying the data storage destination is added. That is, it is a process of storing image forming apparatus information.
In step S117, the name service of the MFP 300-2 responds to the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 with the name information addition result of Step S116.
In step S118, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 receives the name service addition result response of the multifunction device 300-2 in step S117.

  In step S119, if the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that the name information is correctly added in the addition response result received in step S118, the process proceeds to step S120, and the name information is added. If it is determined that the process has failed, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S120, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 determines that the name information is correctly added in step S119, the notification destination name service (composite name) is added to the notified name service list as shown in FIG. The IP address of the machine 300-2 is added, and the process returns to step S110. If it is determined in step S110 that the notification of name information has been completed for all notification destination name services, the process ends. That is, the second image forming apparatus information that has transmitted the image forming apparatus information is stored as the transmitted second image forming apparatus. Further, the transmitted second image forming apparatus (transmitted information) is shown in FIG.

  In steps S106 to S111, the second image formation that has not been transmitted without transmitting the image forming apparatus information that identifies the first image forming apparatus to the transmitted second image forming apparatus. In this process, image forming apparatus information for specifying the first image forming apparatus is transmitted to the apparatus. This can prevent duplication of transmission.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the authentication process in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of name information acquisition and list acquisition processing according to this embodiment. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  In step S200, the authentication program of the MFP 300-3 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 12 on the operation unit 308, and acquires card ID information in the IC card held over the card reader 319.

  Here, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the authentication screen. The authentication screen is stored in the HDD 304.

  On the authentication screen, it is possible to switch between IC card authentication and keyboard authentication. At the time of keyboard authentication, a soft keyboard is displayed on the operation unit 308, and a user name and password can be input. This authentication screen is a screen for IC card authentication.

  In step S201, the authentication program of the MFP 300-3 acquires user information (user name, etc.) associated with the card ID acquired in step S200 from the user information table as shown in FIG. To do. In this embodiment, the user information table is configured to be stored in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral. However, an IC card authentication request command including the card ID is transmitted to an authentication server that manages the card ID and the user information in association with each other. User information may be acquired.

  Here, FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information table. A user information table is stored in the HDD 304.

  In the user information table, a user name, an e-mail address, and a card ID are managed in association with each user, and user information of a plurality of users is stored. In addition, not only a user name, an e-mail address, and card ID, but the structure which memorize | stores the authority information etc. for using a multifunction machine may be sufficient.

In step S202, the authentication program of the multifunction device 300-3 performs login processing (use permission) to the multifunction device 300-3 based on the user information acquired in step S201.
In step S203, the authentication program of the multifunction machine 300-3 notifies the login user information to the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3.

  In step S204, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 acquires the login user information notified by the authentication program of the MFP 300-3 in step S203.

  In step S205, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 stores a name service stored in advance based on the login user information acquired in step S204 and the model name of the own apparatus (for example, MFP 5050) acquired in advance. The MFP 300-2 (the default MFP (primary) that requests acquisition) transmits a request for acquiring the login user name information (print data storage location information). If communication with the default MFP is not possible, an acquisition request is sent to the next MFP (secondary). In other words, this is a process of requesting the second image forming apparatus for the image forming apparatus information that is the storage location of the print data.

Step S205 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for determining a multifunction device of a name service that is an inquiry destination of name information (print data storage location information) in the present embodiment.

  In step S <b> 2051, the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3 acquires setting information for determining a name service multifunction machine as illustrated in FIG. 17 which is set in advance. Note that the more detailed setting information of FIG. 17 is shown in FIG. 21, and will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S2052, it is determined whether or not the own apparatus operates as a name service multifunction peripheral. Whether or not the own device operates as a name service multifunction device is determined by whether or not the multifunction device of the primary name service (name service 1) shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the IP address of the own device. The determination as to whether the own device operates as a name service multifunction device may be made based on whether or not a communication port for operating as a name service is open in the own device. Further, it may be determined whether or not the own apparatus operates as a name service MFP by turning on / off the name service setting. When it is ON, it is determined that the own device is a name service, and when it is OFF, it is determined that the own device is not a name service.

If the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that the own apparatus is a setting for the MFP of the name service based on the name service setting acquired in S2501, the process proceeds to Step S2503, where the own apparatus performs the name service. If it is determined that the service is not a multifunction peripheral, the process advances to step S2054.
By determining whether or not the own device is a name service, unnecessary communication can be prevented and the communication load can be reduced.
In step S2053, if the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that the self apparatus is a name service MFP in step S2052,

Based on the login user information acquired in step S204 and the model name of the own device (for example, MFP 5050) acquired in advance, name information (print data storage location information) stored in the own device is acquired in advance. To do.

  In step S2054, as described above in step S205, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 is based on the login user information acquired in step S204 and the model name of the own apparatus (for example, MFP 5050) acquired in advance. According to the setting information for determining the name service MFP acquired in step S2051, the name service MFP 300-2 (default MFP (primary, for example, name service 1) that requests acquisition) An acquisition request for the name information (print data storage location information) of the login user is transmitted. If communication with the default MFP is not possible, an acquisition request is sent to the next MFP (secondary, for example, name service 2).

  When notifying the name information in step S111, the name services 1 to 10 in FIG. 17 are notified, but when requesting the acquisition of name information in step S2054, the name service 1 is configured. .

  In step S206, the name service of the MFP 300-2 receives the name information acquisition request transmitted by the printing program of the MFP 300-3 in step S205. That is, it is a process of receiving a request for image forming apparatus information from the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S207, the name service of the MFP 300-2 confirms the presence or absence of a name information file as shown in FIG. 16 based on the user name and model name included in the name information acquisition request received in step S206. The user name information (print data storage location information) is searched.

More specifically, the name information received in step S206 is acquired in order to acquire the storage location information of the user's print job that can be printed by the multifunction peripheral in which the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 that is the request source is operating. A name information file as shown in FIG. 16 is searched based on the user name and model name included in the request. The file name of the name information file includes a user name and a model name, and the name information file is searched by comparing the file name with the user name and model name included in the name information acquisition request. In this embodiment, the model name is used. However, since printing may be possible even if the model is different, it may be a printer group indicating a group of printers that are printable printer groups.
Further, the information of the name information file shown in FIG. 16 may be managed by a database instead of individual files.

  Then, the name information (print data storage destination information such as an IP address) of the destination multi-function peripheral that stores the print job that can be printed by the user and stored in the searched name information file is acquired.

  In step S208, the name service of the MFP 300-2 responds to the print program of the MFP 300-3 with the name information (print data storage destination information) searched in Step S207. That is, in accordance with a request for image forming apparatus information, a list of image forming apparatus information that is a storage destination of print data that can be printed by the first image forming apparatus is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus information list is transmitted in accordance with the user identification information of the user who has logged into the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S209, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 receives the name information transmitted by the name service of the MFP 300-2 in Step S208. The received name information is stored in the RAM 302.

  In step S210, if it is determined that the name information received in step S209 includes the print data storage destination of the logged-in user other than its own device, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 proceeds to step S211. If it is determined that there is no print data storage destination for the user other than the user apparatus, the process proceeds to step S218. The above step S210 will be described in more detail. The print data storage destination IP address information acquired in step S209 is compared with the IP address of the own device acquired in advance when the application is started, and the IP address information acquired from the name service of the MFP 300-2 If it is determined that a device other than the IP address of the device is included, the process proceeds to step S211. If it is determined that an IP address other than the own device is not included, the process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S211, if it is determined in step S210 that there is a print data storage destination for the logged-in user other than the self apparatus, the print program of the MFP 300-3 becomes a bibliographic information service corresponding to the print data storage destination. A bibliographic information list acquisition request including the login user name and the model name of the own device is transmitted to the multifunction device 300-1. That is, it is a process of requesting a list of print data from each image forming apparatus corresponding to the received image forming apparatus information.

  In step S212, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction machine 300-1 receives the bibliographic information list acquisition request transmitted by the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3 in step S211.

In step S213, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 receives the request for acquiring the bibliographic information list including the user name and model name received in step S212, as shown in FIG. 14 corresponding to the received user and model name. Search bibliographic information files.
In step S214, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 creates a bibliographic information list with the bibliographic information searched in step S213.

  In step S215, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 transmits the bibliographic information list created in step S214 to the printing program of the multifunction device 300-3. That is, it is a process of receiving a list of image forming apparatus information that is a storage location of print data from the second image forming apparatus.

  In step S216, the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3 acquires the bibliographic information list transmitted by the bibliographic information service of the multifunction machine 300-1 in step S215. That is, it is a process of receiving a list of print data from each image forming apparatus that has requested.

  In step S217, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 deletes the storage location of the print data that has received the bibliographic information list as received from the name information stored in the RAM 302, and returns the process to step S210. In step S210, if there is a print data storage destination for which bibliographic information has not been acquired in the name information, steps S211 to S217 are repeated.

  In step S218, if it is determined in step S210 that there is no print data storage destination in which the bibliographic information is not acquired in step S210, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 displays the bibliographic information of the login user in its own device. get. That is, it is a process of requesting a list of print data from the first image forming apparatus which is its own apparatus.

  In step S219, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 merges (for example, combines) the bibliographic information lists acquired in steps S217 and S219, and displays a print data list screen as shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print data list screen. The print data list screen is stored in the HDD 304.
The print data list screen displays the merged bibliographic information list as a list of print data on 1301. In 1301, print data can be selected.

  In addition, the print data list screen includes a delete 1302 button and a print start button 1303 so that the print data selected in 1301 can be deleted or the print can be started (print instruction).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a print instruction and print data transmission process in the present embodiment. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  In step S300, an arbitrary print data 1301 is selected from the print data list screen as shown in FIG. 13 displayed by the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3 in step S219 by the user who has logged in to the multifunction machine 300-3. After that, the press of the print start 1303 is accepted and a print instruction for the selected print data is issued.

  In step S301, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 is selected in step S300, acquires the request instructed to print, and is included in the bibliographic information of the selected print data from the bibliographic information list acquired in step S126. A name (storage destination) 1404 is acquired.

  In step S302, if the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that there is host name (storage destination) information of the print instruction destination acquired in step S301, the process proceeds to step S303, and there is no print instruction destination. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S317.

  In step S303, when it is determined in step S302 that there is a print instruction destination in step S302, the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 determines whether the print instruction destination of the selected print data is the self apparatus. If it is determined that the print instruction destination of the selected print data is the own apparatus, the process proceeds to step S314. If it is determined that the print instruction destination of the selected print data is not the own apparatus, the process proceeds to step S304. Proceed with the process.

  In step S304, if the print program of the MFP 300-3 determines that the print instruction destination of the print data of the bibliographic information selected in step S303 is not its own device, the host name (storage destination) acquired in step S301. ) To send a print instruction request including the file name 1402 in the bibliographic information of the selected print data. If a plurality of print data stored in the same host name (storage destination) are selected in step S301, a print instruction request including the file names of all corresponding print data is transmitted. In other words, this is a process of making a print request to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received image forming apparatus information. Further, this is a process of making a print request to the image forming apparatus in which the print data selected from the print data list is stored. As a result, the communication load can be reduced.

  In step S305, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 receives the print instruction request transmitted by the printing program of the multifunction device 300-3 in step S304.

  In step S306, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 acquires the corresponding print data from the HDD 304 based on the file name included in the print instruction request received in step S305.

  In step S307, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 transmits the print data acquired in Step S306 to the MFP 300-3 using, for example, the FTP protocol.

In step S308, the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 receives the print data transmitted by the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 in step S307.
In step S309, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 prints the print data received in step S308.

  In step S310, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 determines that there is print data that has not been transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 300-3 among the file names included in the print instruction request received in step S305. If YES in step S306, the process advances to step S306 to repeat the processes in steps S306 to S310 while there is print data that has not been transmitted to the MFP 300-3. If it is determined that there is no print data that has not been transmitted to the MFP 300-3, the process advances to step S311.

  In step S311, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that there is print data that has not yet been transmitted in step S310, and the print instruction including the file name for the print program of the MFP 300-3. Send the result.

  In step S312, the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 receives the print instruction result transmitted by the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 in step S311 and advances the process to step S316.

  In step S313, if the print instruction destination is determined to be the self apparatus in step S303, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 adds the file name 1402 included in the bibliographic information of the print data selected by the user in step S300. Applicable print data is acquired from the own apparatus. That is, when print data selected from the print data list is stored in the first image forming apparatus, the print data is acquired from the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S314, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 prints the print data acquired in step S313. That is, it is a process for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request.

  In step S315, if it is determined that the print data not yet printed out of the print data selected in S300 exists in the MFP 300-3, the process proceeds to step S313. While there is print data that has not been printed yet, the processing from step S313 to step S315 is repeated. If it is determined that there is no print data that has not been printed yet, the process proceeds to step S316.

  In step S316, the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 determines in step S301 the multifunction peripheral that has obtained the print instruction result in step S312 and the own apparatus (multifunction peripheral) that has completed the print instruction in steps S313 to S315 in step S301. It deletes from the acquired storage destination information (it removes from the object of a printing instruction | indication destination), and returns a process to step S302. While it is determined in step S302 that there is a print instruction destination, steps S303 to S316 are repeatedly performed. If it is determined that there is no print instruction destination, the process proceeds to step S317.

  In step S317, if it is determined that there is no print instruction destination in step S302, the printing program of the multifunction peripheral 300-3 displays an unselected print data list screen that has not been selected by the user in step S300.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the deletion instruction in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of name information deletion processing according to this embodiment. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  In step S400, the user who has logged in to the multifunction machine 300-3 performs arbitrary printing from the print data list screen as shown in FIG. 13 displayed by the printing program of the multifunction machine 300-3 in step S219 or step S317. After the data 1301 has been selected, pressing of the delete 1302 is accepted and an instruction to delete the selected print data is given.

  In step S401, as in step S301, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 receives the request selected by the user in step S400 and instructed to be deleted, and receives the selected print data from the bibliographic information list acquired in step S126. A host name (storage destination) 1404 included in the bibliographic information is acquired.

  In step S402, if it is determined in step S401 that there is at least one deletion instruction destination host name (storage destination) information, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 proceeds to step S403, and the deletion instruction destination is determined. If it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to step S415.

  In step S403, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that there is a deletion instruction destination in step S402, and if it is determined that the deletion instruction destination of the selected print data is the own apparatus, step S411. If it is determined that the deletion instruction destination of the selected print data is not the own apparatus, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, if the print program of the MFP 300-3 determines that the print data deletion instruction destination selected in step S403 is not its own device, the print program of the MFP 300-3 performs the process for the host name (storage destination) acquired in step S401. Then, a delete instruction request including the file name 1402 in the bibliographic information of the selected print data is transmitted. If a plurality of print data stored in the same host name (storage destination) are selected in step S401, a delete instruction request including the file names of all corresponding print data is transmitted.

  In step S405, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 receives the delete instruction request transmitted by the printing program of the multifunction device 300-3 in step S404.

  In step S406, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 acquires the bibliographic information file of the corresponding print data as shown in FIG. 14 based on the file name included in the deletion instruction request received in step S405.

  In step S407, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 changes the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file for which the deletion instruction request has been acquired in step S406 to deleted. That is, it is a process for setting the print data in a deleted state.

  In step S408, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 includes print data whose status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted among the file names included in the deletion instruction request received in step S405. If it is determined that there is print data, the process proceeds to step S406, and while there is still print data in which the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted, the processes from step S406 to step S408 are repeated. If it is determined that there is no print data whose status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that there is print data in which the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted yet in step S408. The delete instruction result is transmitted to the print program, and the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S410, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 receives the delete instruction result transmitted by the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 in step S409, and advances the process to step S414.

  In step S411, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that the deletion instruction destination is the self apparatus in step S403, and sets the file name 1402 included in the bibliographic information of the print data selected by the user in step S400. The corresponding bibliographic information file is acquired from the own device.

  In step S412, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 changes the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file for which the deletion instruction request has been acquired in step S406 to deleted.

  In step S413, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 determines that there is print data in which the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted in the own apparatus among the print data selected in S400. If so, the process proceeds to step S411, and the process from step S411 to step S413 is repeated while there is still print data in which the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted. If it is determined that there is no print data whose status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been changed to deleted, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 stores the deletion instruction destination that has acquired the deletion instruction result in step S410, and the storage destination information acquired in step S401 for the own apparatus that has been deleted in steps S411 to S413. From the list (removed from the deletion instruction target), and the process returns to step S402. While it is determined in step S402 that there is a deletion instruction destination, steps S403 to S314 are repeatedly performed. If it is determined that there is no deletion instruction destination, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S415, if it is determined in step S402 that there is no deletion instruction destination, the printing program of the MFP 300-3 displays an unselected print data list screen that was not selected by the user in step S400.

  In step S416, the bibliographic information service of the multifunction device 300-1 determines whether printable data of the currently logged-in user still exists in the multifunction device 300-1 after transmitting the deletion result in step S409. . If it is determined that there is still printable data, the process ends. If it is determined that there is no printable data for the currently logged-in user, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S417, if the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that there is no printable data of the currently logged-in user in step S416, a list of notified name services as shown in FIG. get.

  In step S418, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines whether there is the MFP 300-2 of the name service notified as the print data storage destination of the user who has requested deletion. If the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that there is at least one name service that has been notified, the process proceeds to step S419, and there is no name service to be notified. If it is determined, it is determined that there is no need to notify deletion, and the process is terminated.

In step S419, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 corresponds to the name service determined to have the notified name service in Step S418 (corresponding to the MFP 300-2 in the system configuration diagram of FIG. 1). Name information deletion notification. The name information deletion notification transmitted here includes the user name of the currently logged-in user, the model name of the own device acquired in advance, and the IP address (host name) of the own device. That is, it is a process of notifying the second image forming apparatus of a print data deletion notification.
Steps S416 to S419 are processing for notifying deletion notification when there is no printable print data in the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S420, the name service of the multifunction peripheral 300-2 receives the name information deletion notification transmitted by the bibliographic information service of the multifunction peripheral 300-1 in step S419. That is, it is a process of receiving a print data deletion notification from the first image forming apparatus.

  In step S421, the name service of the MFP 300-2 confirms (searches) a name information file as shown in FIG. 16 corresponding to the user name and model name included in the name information deletion notification received in step S420. .

  In step S422, the name service of the MFP 300-2 determines that the storage destination IP address (host name) included in the name information deletion notification received in step S420 exists in the name information file confirmed in step S421. If so, the process proceeds to step S423. If it is determined that the storage destination IP address does not exist, the process proceeds to step S424.

  If it is determined in step S423 that the name service of the MFP 300-2 has the storage destination IP address (host name) included in the deletion notification in step S422, the corresponding IP address (host name) is set in step S421. Delete it from the name information file confirmed in. That is, in accordance with the deletion notification, the image forming apparatus information of the first image forming apparatus that has received the deletion notification is deleted.

  In step S424, the name service of the MFP 300-2 determines that there is no corresponding storage destination IP address in step S422, and after deleting the storage destination IP address in step S423, the MFP 300-2 deletes the storage destination IP address. The name information deletion result is transmitted to the bibliographic information service of -1.

  In step S425, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 receives the name information deletion result transmitted by the name service of the MFP 300-2 in Step S424.

  In step S426, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 advances the process to step S427 when it is determined that the deletion of the name information is correctly performed based on the deletion result of the name information received in step S425. If it is determined that the name information has not been deleted, the process proceeds to step S418.

  In step S427, the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 determines that the name information has been notified from the notified name service list of FIG. 18 acquired in step S417 when it is determined in step S426 that the name information has been correctly deleted. The service is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S418. In step S418, while it is determined that there is still a notified name service, the processing from step S419 to step S427 is repeatedly performed, and when it is determined that there is no notified name service, the process is terminated. That is, in accordance with the deletion notification, the image forming apparatus information of the second image forming apparatus notified of deletion from the transmitted information is deleted.

  Print data exists by properly deleting name information from the name information file stored in the name service MFP and deleting it from the list of notified name services stored in the bibliographic information service MFP. Since unnecessary communication is not performed when not, printing can be executed from a desired printer with a reduced communication load.

  In the present embodiment, the name information deletion flow described in steps S416 to S427 is described between the bibliographic information service of the MFP 300-1 and the name service of the MFP 300-2. Similarly, in the print program No. -3, after the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file corresponding to the print data held in the own apparatus is changed to deleted, the name information described in steps S416 to S427 is deleted. To do.

  Further, in this embodiment, the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file is changed to deleted or a name information deletion notification is performed according to a deletion instruction from the user, but after a certain period of time has elapsed from the generation time of the print data For print data whose status 1401 in the bibliographic information file has not been deleted by a user instruction, the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file is automatically changed to deleted at the timing when the storage period has passed. Is also possible. It goes without saying that even when automatic deletion is performed, the flow of deletion of name information described in steps S416 to S426 described in the present embodiment is performed.

  In this embodiment, in response to a deletion instruction from the user, the status 1401 in the bibliographic information file is only changed to deleted. However, the print data itself whose status 1401 has been deleted at a regular time or a regular interval. Needless to say, it is deleted from the HDD 304.

  In the present embodiment, a printing system using a multi-function peripheral is used, and print data is designated and printed using the operation unit of the multi-function peripheral. However, a list of print data such as a laser beam printer may be displayed. A printing system including a printer with an operation unit (display unit) that cannot be used may be used.

In this case, when the user logs in to the printer and obtains name information from the multifunction device of the name service, a print data list (bibliographic information list) is obtained from the multifunction device corresponding to the name information and corresponds to the bibliographic information. Make a print request to a multifunction device. Alternatively, if name information is obtained from a multifunction device of the name service without obtaining a print data list, the print data corresponding to the logged-in user is printed to the multifunction device corresponding to the name information obtained for the print request so as to be collectively printed. A request is made (all print requests for the login user's print data are made to each multifunction device in which the login user's print data is stored).
Further, the description has been made on the premise of the multifunction peripheral, but it can be realized as long as it is not a multifunction peripheral and can store print data.

  Further, as described above, in the description of the present embodiment, the multifunction machine 300-1, the multifunction machine 300-2, the multifunction machine 300-3, and the multifunction machine have been described separately. 1 may have the function of the MFP 300-3, and the MFP 300-1 may have the function of the MFP 300-2 and the function of the MFP 300-3. . Further, the MFP 300-3 may have the functions of the MFP 300-1 and the MFP 300-2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data is managed, and a print request is made to the image forming apparatus according to the list, so that the print data stored in the image forming apparatus can be formed into a desired image. It is possible to reduce the communication load when printing from the apparatus.

  Also, considering the communication load, the print data is stored in the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) and the print data stored in each multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) without arranging a server for storing the print data. Can be printed from a desired image forming apparatus.

  In addition, even if the user prints print data on a specific multifunction device, it is possible to store the data on the HDD of the multifunction device. Therefore, it is necessary to install an external server as in the conventional pull print system. It becomes easy to operate.

  Even if no server is installed externally, the storage location of the data printed by the user is notified to the MFP and managed, and when printing, the login user prints from the MFP managing the storage location. Since it is a mechanism for acquiring the data storage destination, when a multifunction device that is normally used is used by another user and cannot be used, it is possible to output from another usable multifunction device.

  In addition, since broadcast communication is not used for storage location notification, operation beyond the segment is possible. In addition, since it is only necessary to notify not all MFPs but only MFPs that manage storage destinations, it is possible to provide a mechanism that does not require periodic maintenance of all MFPs.

Furthermore, instead of notifying the storage location every time print data is received from the client PC, if the print data has already been received from the same user, the storage location is not notified again, so the network load is reduced. Is possible.
It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 and 20, and the storage medium of the present invention executes the processing method according to FIGS. 5 to 11. Possible programs are stored. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

200 client PC
300-1 Multifunction device (bibliographic information service)
300-2 MFP (name service)
300-3 MFP (printing program)
600 LAN
4001 Bibliographic information acquisition unit 4002 Storage control unit 4003 Image forming apparatus information transmission unit 4004 Image forming apparatus information request unit 4005 Device list reception unit 4006 Print request unit 4007 Print unit 4008 Transmitted information storage control unit 4009 Print data list request unit 4010 Print Data list reception unit 4011 Print data deletion unit 4012 Deletion notification unit 4013 Transmitted information deletion unit 4014 Device determination unit 4015 Image forming device information reception unit 4016 Storage control unit 4017 Image forming device information request reception unit 4018 Device list transmission unit 4019 Deletion notification Reception unit 4020 Deletion unit 4021 Device information deletion unit

Claims (19)

A printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
Print data list requesting means for requesting a list of print data to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request means;
Print request means for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
Printing means for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request,
The second image forming apparatus
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control unit for storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
A printing system comprising: an image forming apparatus list transmitting unit configured to transmit a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. The first image forming apparatus includes:
A transmission information storage control means for storing the transmitted information in a predetermined storage means as the second image forming apparatus that has been transmitted by the second image forming apparatus transmitted by the image forming apparatus information transmission means;
The image forming apparatus information transmitting unit transmits the first image to the transmitted second image forming apparatus in accordance with the transmitted information stored in the storage unit even when print data is newly received. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein transmission of specific information for specifying a forming apparatus is suppressed. The first image forming apparatus includes:
Print data deleting means for deleting or deleting the print data;
When the print data is deleted or deleted by the print data deletion unit and it is determined that there is no print data that can be printed, the second image forming apparatus notifies the deletion of the specific information of the first image forming apparatus. Delete notification means to notify
Further comprising transmitted information deleting means for deleting transmitted information corresponding to the second image forming apparatus serving as the deletion notification destination from the predetermined storage means;
The second image forming apparatus includes:
A deletion notification receiving means for receiving a deletion notification of specific information of the first image forming apparatus from the first image forming apparatus;
3. The image forming apparatus information deleting unit according to claim 2, further comprising: an image forming apparatus information deleting unit that deletes the specific information of the first image forming apparatus that has received the deletion notification from the predetermined storage unit in accordance with the deletion notification. Printing system. The first image forming apparatus includes:
The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming apparatus determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus manages a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data.
When the image forming apparatus determining unit determines that the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that manages a list of image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus list receiving unit receives the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein a list of the printing systems is acquired. The print data list request means requests the first image forming apparatus for a list of print data,
The print request unit acquires print data from the first image forming apparatus when the print data selected from the list of print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1. The bibliographic information includes user identification information,
The image forming apparatus information transmitting means transmits the user identification information;
The second storage control unit stores the specific information of the image forming apparatus in association with the user identification information;
The image forming apparatus list transmitting unit transmits a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data of the user is stored according to user identification information of a user who has logged in to the first image forming apparatus. Item 6. The printing system according to any one of Items 1 to 5. The bibliographic information includes user identification information,
The image forming apparatus information transmitting means transmits the user identification information;
The second storage control unit stores the specific information of the image forming apparatus in the predetermined storage unit for each user identification information,
The deletion notifying unit includes the user identification information and identification information of the first image forming apparatus when there is no printable print data corresponding to the user identification information in the first image forming apparatus. Notify you,
3. The image forming apparatus information deleting unit according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus information deleting unit deletes the specific information of the first image forming apparatus corresponding to the user identification information according to the user identification information and the specific information. Printing system.   The image forming apparatus information requesting means, the image forming apparatus list receiving means, the print requesting means, and the printing means of the first image forming apparatus are different from the first image forming apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1, comprising: a printing system according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus information receiving unit that receives specific information from the first image forming apparatus; a second storage control unit that stores the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored; , An image forming apparatus information request receiving unit that receives an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus, and a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data according to the request for the image forming apparatus information. A first image forming apparatus connected via a network to a second image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
Print data list requesting means for requesting a list of print data to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request means;
Print request means for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints received print data according to the print request. In response to acceptance of the print data, a first storage control means for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage means, and that the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. In order to notify, the image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting the specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus and the print data stored in the predetermined storage means are printed. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus requests the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored, and the second image forming apparatus according to the list request for the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus list receiving unit that receives a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the apparatus, and print data for the image forming apparatuses corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses. A print data list requesting means for requesting a list; a print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from a requested image forming apparatus in accordance with a request from the print data list requesting means; and the print data according to the print data list. Is connected via a network to a first image forming apparatus that includes a print request unit that makes a print request to the image forming apparatus in which the image is stored, and a print unit that prints print data received according to the print request. A second image forming apparatus,
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control unit for storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus list transmitting unit configured to transmit a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. A printing system processing method in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus is
A first storage control step of storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
An image forming apparatus information transmission step of transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
An image forming apparatus information requesting step for requesting a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored to the second image forming apparatus in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage unit;
An image forming apparatus list receiving step for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
A print data list requesting step for requesting a list of print data to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving step for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request step;
A print requesting step for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
Printing the print data received in accordance with the print request;
The second image forming apparatus is
An image forming apparatus information receiving step for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control step of storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
An image forming apparatus information request receiving step for receiving a list request of image forming apparatuses from the first image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus list transmitting step of transmitting a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. An image forming apparatus information receiving unit that receives specific information from the first image forming apparatus; a second storage control unit that stores the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored; , An image forming apparatus information request receiving unit that receives an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus, and a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data according to the request for the image forming apparatus information. A processing method for a first image forming apparatus connected via a network to a second image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus includes:
A first storage control step of storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
An image forming apparatus information transmission step of transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
An image forming apparatus information requesting step for requesting a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored to the second image forming apparatus in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage unit;
An image forming apparatus list receiving step for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
A print data list requesting step for requesting a list of print data to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving step for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request step;
A print requesting step for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
And a printing step of printing the received print data in accordance with the print request. In response to acceptance of the print data, a first storage control means for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage means, and that the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. In order to notify, the image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting the specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus and the print data stored in the predetermined storage means are printed. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus requests the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored, and the second image forming apparatus according to the list request for the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus list receiving unit that receives a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the apparatus, and print data for the image forming apparatuses corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses. A print data list requesting means for requesting a list; a print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from a requested image forming apparatus in accordance with a request from the print data list requesting means; and the print data according to the print data list. Is connected via a network to a first image forming apparatus that includes a print request unit that makes a print request to the image forming apparatus in which the image is stored, and a print unit that prints print data received according to the print request. A processing method of a second image forming apparatus,
The second image forming apparatus comprises:
An image forming apparatus information receiving step for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control step of storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
An image forming apparatus information request receiving step for receiving a list request of image forming apparatuses from the first image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus list transmitting step of transmitting a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. A program executable by a printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus is
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
Print data list requesting means for requesting a list of print data to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request means;
Print request means for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
Function as printing means for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request,
A second image forming apparatus;
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control unit for storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
A program for causing a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to function as an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. An image forming apparatus information receiving unit that receives specific information from the first image forming apparatus; a second storage control unit that stores the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored; , An image forming apparatus information request receiving unit that receives an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus, and a list of image forming apparatuses that store print data according to the request for the image forming apparatus information. A program executable by a first image forming apparatus connected via a network to a second image forming apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.
The first image forming apparatus;
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
Print data list requesting means for requesting a list of print data to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from the requested image forming apparatus in accordance with the request by the print data list request means;
Print request means for making a print request to the image forming apparatus storing the print data according to the print data list;
A program that causes print data received according to the print request to function as printing means. In response to acceptance of the print data, a first storage control means for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage means, and that the print data is stored in the first image forming apparatus. In order to notify, the image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting the specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus and the print data stored in the predetermined storage means are printed. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus requests the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored, and the second image forming apparatus according to the list request for the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus list receiving unit that receives a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the apparatus, and print data for the image forming apparatuses corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses. A print data list requesting means for requesting a list; a print data list receiving means for receiving a print data list from a requested image forming apparatus in accordance with a request from the print data list requesting means; and the print data according to the print data list. Is connected via a network to a first image forming apparatus that includes a print request unit that makes a print request to the image forming apparatus in which the image is stored, and a print unit that prints print data received according to the print request. A program executable by the second image forming apparatus,
The second image forming apparatus;
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control unit for storing the specific information in a predetermined storage unit as an image forming apparatus in which print data is stored;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
A program for causing a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to function as an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. A printing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
A print requesting unit for making a print request to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
Printing means for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request,
The second image forming apparatus
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
Second storage control means for storing and controlling the specific information in a predetermined storage means;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
A printing system comprising: an image forming apparatus list transmitting unit configured to transmit a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. A printing system processing method in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus is
A first storage control step of storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
An image forming apparatus information transmission step of transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
An image forming apparatus information requesting step for requesting a list of image forming apparatuses in which print data is stored to the second image forming apparatus in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage unit;
An image forming apparatus list receiving step for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
A print request step for making a print request to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
A printing step for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request; and a second image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus information receiving step for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
A second storage control step for storing the specific information in a predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus information request receiving step for receiving a list request of image forming apparatuses from the first image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus list transmitting step of transmitting a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information. A printing system program in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses capable of storing print data are connected via a network,
The first image forming apparatus is
A first storage control unit for storing the print data and bibliographic information of the print data in a predetermined storage unit in response to reception of the print data;
Image forming apparatus information transmitting means for transmitting specific information for specifying the first image forming apparatus to the second image forming apparatus in order to notify that the print data has been stored in the first image forming apparatus. When,
Image forming apparatus information requesting means for requesting the second image forming apparatus for a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data in order to print the print data stored in the predetermined storage means;
An image forming apparatus list receiving means for receiving a list of image forming apparatuses that are storage destinations of print data from the second image forming apparatus in accordance with the image forming apparatus list request;
A print requesting unit for making a print request to an image forming apparatus corresponding to the received list of image forming apparatuses;
Function as printing means for printing the received print data in accordance with the print request,
A second image forming apparatus;
Image forming apparatus information receiving means for receiving specific information from the first image forming apparatus;
Second storage control means for storing and controlling the specific information in a predetermined storage means;
Image forming apparatus information request accepting means for accepting an image forming apparatus list request from the first image forming apparatus;
A program for causing a list of image forming apparatuses storing print data to function as an image forming apparatus list transmitting means for transmitting to the first image forming apparatus in accordance with a request for the image forming apparatus information.

Images